Genealogy of the D’Este Princes

Genealogy of the D’Este Princes

An illuminated manuscript originated in the Italian city of Ferrara between 1474 and 1479, which illustrated the family tree of the noble House of Este in splendid colors and shimmering gold. The Genealogy of the D’Este Princes consists of 169 portraits of princes and senior members of the House of Este, from the noble family’s beginnings up to the turn of the 16th century. An artist employed at the Este court was most likely responsible for the design of the illuminated manuscript. The work was divided into multiple fragments in the 17th century. Today, the majority of the manuscript is stored in Modena. Four double pages of the precious manuscript are found today in the Italian National Library in Rome.

High Nobility of Italy

The ruling family of Este is one of the oldest noble families in Italy. Their family tree goes back to the year 951. Alberto Azzo II was the first Vicar of Ferrara. Since 1482, his descendants, Borso, Ercole, and Alfonso I among them, ruled the Italian cities of Ferrara Modena as dukes. The House of Este produced some of most popular patrons and lovers of arts during the Renaissance Isabella d'Este-Gonzaga, the Grand Dame of the Renaissance among them. The genealogy celebrated the fame and glory of the great ruling house in splendid pictures.

The Portraits of the Princes

The Este family record was planned so that every page of the manuscript features nine pictures, which show the portraits of its members in the form of busts encompassed in medallions. A few of the pages are incomplete. The portraits were painted in fine watercolors, with a background that is sometimes deep blue, sometimes gold. The golden background was used for ruling princes. Text with biographical information of the person depicted is found under the portraits. The portrait of Borso d’Este was created with special care. The full-page depiction shows the Regent standing on grass in gorgeous red-gold garments with scepter in hand. This emphasized the special role of the leader of the d’Este family.